Deborah Kanyenga, a single mother from Thyolo district, exemplifies the spirit of resilience and determination. Despite facing a number of challenges, her story is a testament to the power of hope and perseverance.

Deborah's journey has not been easy. She dropped out of school to take care for her family after her mother fell ill. With no-one else to run to for assistance, she put her family's needs before her own, sacrificing her education.

However, life took a dramatic turn when Deborah secured employment through constructions works funded by the Skills for a Vibrant Economy (SAVE) Project at the Malawi University of Science and Technology (MUST). As part of the construction team building a three lecture theatres with a combined 500 seating capacity at MUST's Thyolo campus, Deborah found a new sense of purpose.

"I'm grateful for the SAVE Project," Deborah says. "It has given me a job that has and will continue to change my life. I can now provide for my family's basic needs."

While the lecture theatre construction works' main objective is to address the issue of inadequate learning facilities at MUST to enable it increase access to higher education, to the communities around the university, it is also a source of employment and business. 

Before lecturers and students will have the chance to enjoy a conducive learning and teaching environment, the community members are enjoying the fruits of employment and business opportunities, in the course earning some income to improve their livelihoods.

Before MUST can use the lecture theatres to bridge the gap in access to quality higher education that would empower students to reach their full potential, the lecture theatres under construction are providing a reason for the workers and vendors selling various items, to look forward to the next day with hope.

According to Precious Banda, a site engineer from DEC Construction overseeing the project, the construction process is making good progress, despite some setbacks due to the rains. However, he is hopeful of the works sticking to its timelines. This hope is shared by the community members as it means assured employment and business.

Apart from Deborah, tens of other community members from the university's surrounding villages have secured jobs as it was the project's policy to prioritise locals for works that do not require expert knowledge. Many others have jumped on the business opportunity created by the project by selling food items to the people working on the project.

For Deborah, being part of this project is more than just a job, it's a chance to rebuild her life and create a brighter future for herself and her family.

The SAVE Project's impact extends far beyond the construction of a lecture theatres. In fact, it is not a project but a lifeline. It represents a beacon of hope for students as well as community members in the areas surrounding MUST and across Malawi, ensuring equal access to quality education and life changing opportunities.

The SAVE Project's initiatives are a shining example of the impact made when prioritizing education and empowerment.